Moving to Italy or buying a home here means coming to terms with a system that can feel complicated at first: local taxes, digital IDs, residence certificates, official payments.
This guide brings together the most common documents and services you’ll encounter in everyday Italian life. From paying your first utility bill to understanding the IMU tax, this page works as your starting point.
Taxes and Everyday Payments
One of the first things new residents discover is Italy’s mix of local and national taxes. Each type of tax comes with its own rules and payment method:
- IMU Tax – a property tax that applies mainly to second homes and higher-value properties. Read more about IMU and how to pay it.
- TARI Tax – this covers waste collection and disposal. Every household must pay it, and the amount depends on the size of the property and number of residents. Read about TARI here.
- Bollo Auto – an annual car ownership tax, required whether or not you regularly use your vehicle. Learn more about Bollo Auto.
- F24 Form – a standard form used for paying many taxes, from IMU to income tax. Full guide to F24 here.
- PagoPA – the official online system for paying public administration fees. It covers everything from university fees to local fines. Learn How PagoPA works.
Each tax has specific deadlines and rules, but once you understand the system, most payments can be made online through banks, post offices, or digital apps.
Identity and Documents
Italy requires residents and property owners to hold certain documents. These are often the foundation for accessing other services:
- SPID – Italy’s digital identity, essential for logging into public administration websites. Read how to get SPID.
- Carta d’Identità Elettronica (Electronic ID Card) – a modern version of the identity card, equipped with a microchip. Learn about CIE here.
- Carta d’Identità – the standard Italian ID card, issued by the local comune. How to request a Carta d’Identità.
- Certificato di Residenza – proof of your official address, often required for registering contracts. Read about the residence certificate.
These documents connect to each other: for example, you often need a CIE or Carta d’Identità before activating SPID.
Business and Finance
If you plan to work in Italy or open a business, two systems are particularly important:
- Partita IVA – Italy’s VAT number, required for freelancers and businesses. Read about Partita IVA.
- Codice ATECO – the classification code that defines your business activity. Learn How to choose your Codice ATECO.
- Bank Accounts – most payments and taxes require an Italian account. Guide to Opening a bank account.
Understanding these tools early will save you delays if you decide to live or work here full-time.
Everyday Practicalities
Beyond property and identity, you’ll encounter services that form part of daily life:
- Paying Bills – utilities can be paid through direct debit, at the post office, or with digital apps. Full guide to paying bills.
- ISEE Declaration – a financial declaration that determines eligibility for benefits, such as reduced university fees or childcare support. Read about ISEE.
- Sale e Tabacchi – tobacco shops that double as community service points, where you can pay bills, buy stamps, or top up transport cards. Learn more about Tabacchi.
- Agenzia delle Dogane – Italy’s customs agency, important if you’re importing goods or moving items from abroad. Read about customs rules.
✅ Takeaways:
Italian bureaucracy can be manageable once you break it down into categories. By understanding which office handles what, and by learning the right documents to request, you’ll find most procedures easier.
For property-related matters such as residency, visas, and inheritance, see our dedicated guide: Foreign Buyer Practicalities (Residency, Visas, Inheritance).
And if you are ready to dive deeper, explore our guides linked above: each one covers the practical steps in detail.